Chris Tucker
Even when Chris Tucker was catapulted to the upper echelon of Hollywood, the inveterate comic continued to deliver stand-up.
It's not uncommon for comics to abandon stand-up after becoming movie stars.
Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy are examples of actors who made their way up to the top of the Hollywood food chain as stand-ups, and passed on going back to the stage after becoming celluloid sensations.
The same goes for television stars.
Drew Carey stated that he has no desire to deliver stand-up again after making a fortune on the small screen.
“Too much heavy lifting,” Carey explained why he avoids the trade that allowed him to have a shot at the big time.
It's understandable. Hosting "The Price is Right" isn't as demanding as coming up with bits out of the ether.
A decade and a half ago there was nobody more happening than Tucker.
The actor-comic negotiated a $25 million payday to star in ‘Rush Hour 3’ in 2007, which made him the highest paid actor in the film world at that time.
But Tucker, 53, who will perform Friday night at the Tropicana, never left stand-up unlike the aforementioned iconic figures in his business.
“What those guys did makes sense for them,” Tucker said. “I can see why they did what they did but I’m a different person. There’s nothing that makes me feel the way I feel when I’m on that stage talking about what’s in my head. Look at Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. They don’t have to do stand-up. They’re beyond set for life but they go back out there. I have a need to perform onstage. I love it. It’s in my blood.”
Tucker is a favorite with area fans since he stole scenes from Bradley Cooper while portraying a Philadelphia Eagles aficionado in "Silver Linings Playbook." Tucker also earned rave reviews for his memorable supporting turn.
“That was an amazing script and film,” Tucker said. “It was great being in a movie with Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro. David O. Russell is one of the best directors there is. I loved doing the drama and I knew I could do it.”
Tucker laughs at his debut a generation ago on the ABC sitcom “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,” in which he played a DJ.
“Oh my gosh, I said one word, ‘Dang,’ and they cut it," Tucker said. "Who knew that I would move on to star in movies? It’s all been great."
One of the more surprising final tour announcements emanated from Foreigner.
Unlike such groups on recent swan song jaunts, such as The Eagles, Aerosmith and Kiss, none of the members of Foreigner are original members, save guitarist-songwriter Mick Jones.
However, Jones, who formed the band in 1976, only performs occasionally due to his battle with Parkinson's.
The longest tenured member who performs each show with the group is bassist Jeff Pilson, who joined in 2004. Vocalist Kelly Hansen is winding down as the band's vocalist.
"It takes a lot to sing and perform these songs at a high standard," Hansen said. "I don't want to go out there sucking or cheating the audience. I want to finish strong and with pride. I want to serve the legacy of this great band and the last thing I want to do is disappoint anybody."
Lou Gramm Original vocalist Lou Gramm, who will perform Friday at Ocean, announced in March that he would once again reunite with the band to replace Hansen for the Central American leg of their farewell tour.
Gramm will render Foreigner and solo hits at Ocean. Check and see if Gramm still has it. Hats off to Jones, who is a criminally underrated songwriter.
"Mick is such a great songwriter," Hansen said. "His songs are well written, well arranged and well recorded. There's a reason people keep coming back to hear these songs played live."
We're going to need a bigger beer hall. That's the word from the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.
The Orange Loop venue will host the inspired "Jaws" event June 22. The classic film that turns 50 next month will be screened under the stars in the Beer Hall Yard.
Narragansett Lager (Remember the can of that forgotten brew that the iconic character Quint, played brilliantly by Robert Shaw, crushed in a key scene?) will be served.
Doors open at 7p.m. The screening starts at 8 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.
